Ursa Major · 23 hours ago
Senior Engineer, Propulsion Systems
Berthoud, CO
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$125K/yr - $150K/yr
8+ years expUrsa Major is a company focused on revolutionizing access to high-performance propulsion systems for aerospace and defense. They are seeking a Senior Engineer, Propulsion Systems to support the technical definition, integration, and execution of propulsion systems for hypersonic vehicles, taking ownership from early concept through flight demonstration and production transition.
AerospaceNational SecuritySatellite CommunicationSpace Travel
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Clean sheet design and analysis of fluid & mechanical vehicle components including tanks, feed systems, propellant management, and fluid systems
Support rapid development cycles of new designs and changing requirements including testing, data analysis and hands-on hardware work
Design modifications of existing components and prototypes to increase performance, improve manufacturability or resolve limitations
Collaborate with the manufacturing, analysis, and test teams to reduce part-to-part variation and discrepancies
Assemble and test first article prototypes
Lead propulsion subsystem architecture and requirements definition for hypersonic vehicles
Own subsystem-level propulsion trades, performance margins, and integration decisions
Serve as the technical authority for propulsion interfaces with vehicle structures, thermal, avionics, GNC, and mission engineering
Develop and manage propulsion requirements, verification plans, and compliance evidence
Collaborate closely with vehicle and systems engineers to ensure mission and performance alignment
Support ground test and flight test planning, execution, and post-test data analysis
Identify propulsion system risks and drive mitigation strategies across design, manufacturing, and test
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to early- and mid-career engineers
Support customer technical reviews, design reviews, and technical interchange meetings
Contribute to proposal development, including technical approaches, architectures, and risk posture
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
8+ years of experience in propulsion systems engineering or propulsion-focused vehicle development
Demonstrated experience supporting hypersonic, missile, or high-performance aerospace vehicles
Strong understanding of: Propulsion system architecture and integration, Vehicle-level performance and propulsion impacts, Requirements development and verification
Experience working across disciplines in a systems engineering environment
Demonstrated proficiency with computer aided design and drafting
Experience with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing per ASME Y14.5
Working knowledge of and hands-on experience with fluid, mechanical, and electrical systems
Strong understanding of industry standards and requirements
Desire to take ownership and help wherever needed on the team
Able to delegate tasks and lead large project scope
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and stay flexible based on customer demands and company priorities along with daily firefighting
Ability to make sound technical decisions under schedule and performance pressure
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance
Preferred
Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field
Experience with hypersonic propulsion architectures (e.g., SRM, liquid rocket, advanced boost systems)
Experience supporting flight test or demonstration programs
Familiarity with thermal, structural, and aero integration challenges in hypersonic regimes
Experience in design and analysis of fluids systems
Experience operating in ISO 9001 or AS9100 certified organizations
Experience with SMC-S-016 Test Requirements
Demonstrated proficiency with fundamental manual or CNC machining equipment and processes (milling, turning)
Experience with fluids, structural and thermal analysis using Ansys software
3+ years of PTC Creo or Siemens NX CAD programs and Windchill PLM software
Liquid propellant rocket engine design, test, or analysis
Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) or digital engineering tools
Prior experience serving as a technical lead or subsystem owner
Benefits
Unlimited PTO - Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Bereavement
Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Tax Advantage Accounts (HSA/FSA)
Employer Paid Short and Long Term Disability, Basic Life, AD&D
Additional Benefit Options Including Voluntary Life and Emergency Medical Transport
EAP Program
Retirement Savings Plan - Traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k)
Equity Grants in the Company
Company
Ursa Major
Ursa Major is an aerospace and defense company that provides a propulsion system for space launch, hypersonics, and national security.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$434.33MKey Investors
Eclipse VenturesExplorer 1 FundBlackRock
2025-11-18Series E· $100M
2025-11-18Debt Financing· $50M
2024-09-19Grant· $12.5M
Leadership Team
Daniel Jablonsky
Chairman and CEO
Recent News
2025-12-19
alleywatch.com
2025-11-24
Company data provided by crunchbase